MS Thesis Defense

In Spring 2025, I successfully defended my thesis for the MS in Architecture degree at the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning.  My thesis examined the architectural patronage of Empress Nur Jahan in 17th-century India, through the lens of Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam. Another significant milestone this semester was completing the required coursework for the PhD in Architecture program, where I’ve been enrolled since January 2024.

As I look ahead to Fall 2025, I’m excited to continue my research and prepare for the comprehensive exam as a doctoral student. Building on the foundation of my master’s thesis, my PhD dissertation will explore how Nur Jahan’s patronage served as a deliberate expression of power, rooted in Sufi-inflected models of sacred kingship embraced by the Mughal court.